News Releases

May 30, 2007

Madison, WI—World Council of Credit
Unions
(WOCCU) and the Russian Credit Union League
(RCUL) are hosting the first annual Eastern
European Technical Congress for credit union
leaders from across the region and from credit
unions with ties to Eastern Europe. This year's
congress will be in Moscow, Russia, September 10-
12, 2007.

The two and a half
days of networking and training will take place
at the Russian
Chamber of Commerce and Industry, a historical
building just minutes from the Red Square. The
congress will focus on building relations among
national associations of participating countries
and will feature presentations by
regional leaders, WOCCU staff and US league
volunteers on technical requirements for credit
union growth.

“Credit unions have grown at an impressive
rate
as Eastern Europe has shifted to a free market
economy. This congress provides a forum for
credit union leaders to build the skills they
need to continue providing their members with
new opportunities,” said Pete Crear, World
Council President and CEO. “We are excited about
working with
RCUL and thank Vadim Kalinichev, RCUL members
and staff for co-hosting this unique event.”

Presentations will be in both
English and Russian, and participants will have
the opportunity to tour Moscow during the event.
In years to come, different WOCCU members from
the region will host the annual event .

“As a WOCCU member since 2005, RCUL is proud
to
host the Eastern European congress in Moscow,”
announced Vadim Kalinichev, RCUL Director
General. “We are looking forward to sharing our
outstanding Russian culture and hospitality.”

World Council of Credit Unions is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. World Council promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. World Council advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

World Council has implemented more than 290 technical assistance programs in 71 countries. Worldwide, 57,000 credit unions in 103 countries serve 208 million people. Learn more about World Council's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.

Contact: Rebecca CarpenterOrganization: World Council of Credit UnionsE-mail: rcarpenter@woccu.orgPhone: +1-608-395-2031